There’s an old saying, “flaunt it, if you’ve got it.” But that’s not always the case with Europe’s nude beaches. Here, they aren’t just about the buffed and the beautiful. German grandpas with Pillsbury Doughboy-like bodies stroll proudly along the shoreline without pause, while extended Greek families sip strong coffee stretched out on lounge chairs dressed in little else other than sunglasses.

So what nations are most likely to do the full monty during their beach vacations? In a survey conducted by Harris Interactive of 21 countries, Germany take the top spot, while Spain and India grab second place. Tying for third were Sweden, Denmark, Mexico, and the Netherlands. Bringing up the rear (so to speak), are the United Kingdom and United States.

If you want to travel really light and skip packing swimsuits or cover ups, where should you go for a European beach vacation? The country that reigns supreme when it comes to clothing-optional beaches is Denmark, where most of its beaches are welcoming of those who have adopted a nudist – oh, excuse us – “naturist” lifestyle. It’s a tradition more than a century old.

No matter which nude beaches you may find yourself at – whether on purpose or happenstance – don’t behave like an uptight North American. That means no gawking, pointing, posting photos of nudies on Instagram, giggling, or flirting. In Europe, being nude at a beach means I want to feel comfortable and free, not I want to get it on with anyone with a pulse and a heartbeat.

If you want to do more than splash in the waves and work on your tan-line-free sunbathing, then try Ågesta. It’s a short bus ride from Stockholm where you can get active biking and hiking. There are plenty of facilities on this pretty stretch of sand, but be mindful when using the barbecues sans clothing.
Photo Credit: Hans G Backman

Those looking for budget-friendly European destinations should take a closer peek at Portugal, which offers great value these days. Skinny dippers have plenty of options there, too, especially in the Algarve. It has two official CO (clothing optional) beaches and plenty of non-official ones. Try Adegas beach on the western coast for views of the Atlantic and oodles of elbow room between nudies.

While Germany many not have as much coastline as some other European countries, it has some terrific nude beaches. On the island of Sylt, one of the Frisian Islands (located in the North Sea), tourists and locals alike flock to “the St. Tropez of Germany.” Buhne 16 is where the naturists hang out. Those used to Caribbean water temperatures might find the scene here a bit nippy, so bring a thick, plush towel for post-swim warm-ups.

As one of Europe’s longest naturist beach, Linguizzetta is a perfect stop while on Corsica, France. There are wild llamas, butterscotch-coloured rock formations and a eucalyptus forest, providing other things to look at if you’re tempted to stare. Over the summer, it’s packed with French and Italians, drawn to its bucolic vibe.

So much for the perception of the Brits being prim and proper… Studland (seriously) Beach in Dorset proves otherwise. Managed by the National Trust, it’s routinely listed among the best beaches in Britain. The section called Knoll Beach is well loved for its fine sand and sprawling nature reserve. It’s well marked with coloured posts. When you get hungry and too timid to get out of the water (shrinkage George Costanza style?), then wait for the floating ice cream vendor that sails along the beach.

Filaki Beach is the only “official” nude beach on the Greek island of Crete, but shunning swim wear is accepted widely everywhere. This particular beach isn’t the picture perfect sand that you see in the Caribbean. It’s made up instead of small pebbles that can be a bit rough of tender tootsies. But it’s a friendly welcoming spot not far from the Vritomartis Naturist Resort, handy for those waiting to spend more time here.

There’s a youthful vibe to Bellevue Beach, Klapenburgh, less than 10 km from Copenhagen. The beach pulses with loud, booming music and its close proximity to the city means a flux of visitors on sunny weekends. It’s a picturesque beach with views of neighbouring Sweden (on the other side of the Bresund Bridge) and crystal clear water. LGBT visitors gravitate toward the north end, known as the “gay area,” but all are welcome.
Photo Credit: Hunter Desportes

Spain’s hedonistic island, home to notorious foam parties in nightclubs and “anything goes” attitude, is perfect for those who want to whoop it up. A slew of bars and cafés make Playa d’en Bossa more wild than mild for beachgoers. Gotta love Spain where being naked in any public area is considered a constitution right – very much evident in Ibiza.
Photo Credit: GanMed64

Sure, you have nagging fears your bare bottom might soon be splashed across many a Facebook page but you can rest easier at the Centre Helio-Marin on the Aquitaine coast. Access to the beach south of Montalivet-les-Bains is granted primarily to guests of the centre who have an electronic tag.
Photo Credit: Michael Milin

It may come as a shock to some, but Ireland has quickly risen up to become one of the world’s top destinations for nude beach vacations. The southwest part of the country is popular because of the warming boost the Gulf Stream provides. In County Galway, Silver Strand Beach (pictured) is a private enclave accessible from long sets of stairs for those who like peace and quiet when they bare it all on the beach.

This is where Brigitte Bardot famously pranced along the beach in a teeny striped bikini. One fell swoop, the French sex kitten made St. Tropez synonymous with beautiful people. That hasn’t changed. If you’re going to uncrate here along the beach, bring your six pack and jiggle-free booty.
Photo Credit: fiat.luxury

Spain is a champ when it comes to clothing-optional beaches with a reported 300 on the mainland, ready to bare witness to naked tourism. Venture a little further and you’ll find Playa la Tejita on Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. It’s a favourite because of the year round fabulousness of the weather. Surrounded by mountains and sand dunes, there’s more to see than just flesh.
Photo Credit: Carlos Lopez Echeto

Take the train from Amsterdam to this very popular seaside resort area and feel free to leave your swim suits behind. One third of this nine-kilometre-long beach allows everyone to let it all hang out. The area is well marked and has some very decent eateries (like Paal 69, good for sandwiches, salads and smoothies) catering to naked bathers.
Photo Credit: Pascal

She’s a beauty. Croatia offers the best of the Mediterranean, but at a kinder price point than Greece or Italy. The country’s most stunning beach, Zlatni Rat (or “Golden Horn”), has a small section devoted to clothing-optional enthusiasts. For more privacy, take a boat from the mainland to islands like Jerolim or Palmizana.
Photo Credit: ahenobarbus

Known as Halifax’s formal nude ocean beach, Crystal Crescent is located in the aptly-named Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park which is close to Sambro, Nova Scotia. The beach offers great scenery and can get quite busy on weekends with up to 300 visitors.
Photo Credit: bigtzr45

Referred to locally as Okapulco, this beach is on the shore of the Lac des Deux Montagnes, and is one of the best known nude beaches in Quebec. The beach offers a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere naturists have frequented the area for over 20 years.

Located on the Toronto Island, the southern portion of Hanlan’s Beach has been officially designated as a sandy, clothing-optional beach for 14 years. The beach is maintained by the City of Toronto’s Parks Department and rules are enforced so that only a designated beach portion is clothing-optional and clothes must be worn everywhere else.

On the southeastern shore of Lake Winnipeg, you will find Beaconia Beach. The beach is often visited by clothed families, so it is recommended that naturists walk about 15 minutes south of the parking lot prior to undressing.

This beach is located within a provincial park, and is recognized as a clothing optional beach on both weekdays and weekends. That being said, tourists are recommended to walk further north on weekends to avoid commotion with local residents or the RCMP.

Located on the Saskatchewan River, Paradise Beach is a well recognized clothing-optional beach despite does not have an association to advocate for naturalists. Also worth noting is the beach is patrolled by local police to maintain the family-friendly atmosphere.
Photo Credit: BFRE

As the second largest clothing-optional beach in North America, Wreck Beach receives over 100,000 annual visitors. The beach is located in Pacific Spirit Regional Park on the shore of the Georgia Strait and the north arm of the Fraser River.